Written by Denise Beaver
You know the saying “You don’t know what you don’t know”? Well, that can be said about many unfamiliar government services. Year round we strive to inform business owners about services through our websites, emails, social media posts, and news releases. This article provides another opportunity to share information about a few untapped resources.
Another resource offered by the Carroll County Department of Economic Development to help businesses get established and prosper is CoStar commercial real estate listings. Commercial property owners may list through our office and conversely business owners looking for property may request a list of available properties for lease or sale. CoStar property demographic reports are also available by request. Contact: Paige Sunderland, Business Development Manager, 410-386-2070, psunderland@carrollcountymd.gov.
When you locate a desired commercial property you should request a “Know Before You Go” meeting. This pre-venture meeting with Economic Development and the County Bureau of Permits and Inspections staff provides essential information you’ll need related to opening your business. The meeting will help you understand the permitting process and comply with all applicable regulations. You can sign up for a meeting on the economic development website.
A Gateway Tax Credit Program is available for improvement project costs in eligible properties zoned for commercial or industrial use and located on or adjacent to the MD 140 corridor, from the Carroll County line to Sandymount Road. Qualified projects include exterior facade upgrades and other site improvements such as landscaping, signage, lighting, sidewalks, and pedestrian plazas. Tax credits can be available for up to five years. Carroll County Planning also currently offers a Facade Improvement Program matching grant program for eligible Finksburg property owners to improve the appearance of building facades and signs. These two programs are coordinated for maximum business benefit.
If a property that you own or lease needs tenant improvements and you need financing, you should check to see if they qualify for a Maryland PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) loan. New qualifying projects include refinancing of previously completed qualified projects; environmental remediation projects like indoor air and water quality, etc.; and resiliency projects like storm water management and vehicle charging infrastructure, etc. Visit MD-PACE.com.
Carroll County has invested millions to establish and develop the Carroll Broadband fiber optic network. Tremendous savings and expanded capabilities for our schools, colleges, and public buildings have been realized and extra fiber capacity is available for lease by private entities through the County’s Fiber Network Enterprise Fund. To provide internet service and/or redundancy for business continuity purposes in an underserved or unserved area, the Carroll Broadband Grant program offers up to a 50% matching reimbursement of qualified broadband expenses with a cap of $25,000 per approved project. Prior to the project start, apply for the matching grant online.
Now you know. Spread the word.
